ThomasM
[PuristS]
14331
Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph, ref. 26288OF.OO.D002CR.01
(mostly press release)
Audemars Piguet expresses horological passion in countless different ways. Tradition is omnipresent, both as a source of inspiration and as a reservoir of invaluable know-how. Certain creations, imbued with this time-honoured legacy while also strongly rooted in the contemporary era, have paved the way for entirely new approaches. They combine traditional technique and modern technology, fine watchmaking and cutting-edge industrial methods. The Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph undoubtedly belongs to this category of exceptional watches. Its design is innovative, its materials are daring, and it beats to the rhythm of a 100% in-house movement.
§ Design
- 18-carat pink gold case
- Forged carbon bezel
- Ceramic crown and pushers
- Openworked dial
§ Calibre 2912
- High-performance chronograph with column-wheel and coupling lever
- Tourbillon composed of more than 70 parts
- 237-hour power reserve
- Twin fast-rotating barrels
Calibre 2912 is a hand-wound movement entirely developed and produced by Audemars Piguet. It combines a tourbillon, a column-wheel chronograph and a double barrel. Its distinctively modern aesthetic is expressed through the contemporary style of the bridges and the overall architecture. The sapphire crystal exhibition back provides a perfect view of the chronograph and coupling bridges accentuating the original nature of this movement through their geometrical shape and black eloxed aluminium material. The finishing is equally elegant and meticulously executed.
The Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph is intended for connoisseurs of fine watchmaking with a distinct preference for beautiful mechanisms along with a penchant for vanguard designs. Their attention will first be drawn to the majestic elegance of the pink gold case with its integrated pushpiece guards.
The scooped decorative detailing at 1,5, 7 and 11 o'clock adds a sophisticated touch, while the alternating satin-brushed and polished finishing enhances the refinement and aesthetic appeal of each surface. The strength of this model lies chiefly in contrasts. The shimmering glow of the pink gold is set off to optimal advantage by the surrounding black zone. The legendary octagonal bezel with its polished hexagonal screws is made of forged carbon – an ultra-sporty high tech material exclusively developed by Audemars Piguet.
Widely used in the aeronautical industry, it has been adapted to the small size of the parts and to the stringent finishing demands imposed by fine watchmaking standards. The pushpieces and the crown are in black ceramics. It is worth noting that the screw-lock crown is equipped with a torque-restricting system that avoids the movement being unduly strained during winding. The dial displays the same play on contrasts, with the numerals standing out clearly against its snailed black base and the black eloxed aluminium of the tourbillon and barrel bridges. Symmetry also plays a premier role on this dial. The 30-minute counter is echoed by the openworked zone revealing the tourbillon at 9 o'clock, while the barrel cut-outs face each other at 6 and 12 o'clock, surrounded by an exquisitely fine border. The ultimate subtle details are provided by the pink gold applied numerals and the hour and minute hands with a luminescent centre. The Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph is teamed with a black alligator leather strap featuring an AP folding clasp in 18-carat pink gold.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Royal Oak Offshore Tourbillon Chronograph
Reference
26288OF.OO.D002CR.01
Pink gold case, black crocodile leather strap
Movement
Calibre : 2912, hand-wound, two barrels, tourbillon
Total diameter : 34.60 mm (15 1/3 lignes)
Casing diameter: 33.80
Thickness : 10.67 mm
30 jewels
328 parts
Up to 237-hour power reserve
Cadence of the balance: 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz)
Finishing: all parts meticulously decorated: hand-polished chamfering; mainplate featuring small circular-grained motifs, hand-drawn strokes; dial side: black eloxed aluminium tourbillon bridge and barrel bridges; movement side: chronograph bridge adorned with Audemars Piguet signature and coupling bridge in black eloxed aluminium; snailed and small circular-grained barrels bearing the Audemars Piguet signature.
Case
18-carat pink gold, scoops at 1, 5, 7 and 11 o'clock
Forged carbon bezel
Black ceramic crown and pushers
Crown with torque-restricting system
Diameter: 44 mm
Thickness: 16.60 mm
Sapphire crystal exhibition back with Royal Oak Offshore inscription
Water-resistant to 20 metres
Dial
Black, snailed and openworked at 6, 9 and 12 o'clock
Applied hollowed pink gold numerals with luminescent coating
Black flange
Pink gold hour and minute hands with luminescent coating
Strap
Hand-sewn black alligator leather with large square scales, 18-carat pink gold AP folding clasp
Functions
Hours and minutes
Chronograph with sweep seconds hand and 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock
Flange bearing a tachometric scale
